Benefiting from its strategic position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, as well as efforts in sustainability and advanced manufacturing, Turkey has solidified its role as a key player in the global plastics industry.

Strong production and trade capacity

As of 2023, Turkey was the second-largest plastics producer in Europe and sixth in the world, with a total annual production exceeding 10 million tons.

Based on the statistics provided by the Turkish Plastics Industry Foundation (PAGEV), the plastics sector has consistently outpaced national GDP growth over the past decade, highlighting its resilience and strategic importance in the country’s economy.

Notably, the number of Turkish companies engaged in plastic product exports is steadily rising. Key export markets include Germany, Italy, the UK, the USA, and Iraq. On the import side, China has emerged as Turkey’s largest supplier, further demonstrating the country's integration into international trade networks.

Additionally, efforts to integrate waste management, recycling, and circular economy practices into production processes reflect the sector’s commitment to green transformation.

Growth driver: Automotive plastics compounding

One of the fastest-growing segments within the Turkish plastics industry is automotive plastics compounding. As of 2023, this market was valued at US$337.90 million and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2024 to 2030, according to Grand View Research.

The Turkish automotive industry is growing at a rapid pace with leading automobile manufacturers such as Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Hyundai operating in the market. The rising demand for automotive and adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) have fueled this growth.

Polypropylene (PP) has dominated the market due to its superior properties such as rigidity, impact strength, and fuel efficiency. Polyethylene (PE) is another key material expected to witness a substantial growth in the forecast period.

Turkish car manufacturer Togg has launched the Togg T10X, a fully electric SUV model.

Market booster: Medical plastics

Turkey’s medical plastics market is also on a dynamic growth trajectory. Future Market Insights reported that estimated at US$235.5 million by 2025, the market is projected to grow at a 4.3% CAGR, reaching US$355.8 million by 2035. The growth is driven by advancements in healthcare infrastructure, government initiatives, and private sector investments.

Turkey’s medical plastics market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3%. (Source: Future Market Insights)

In Turkey, the government and private sector drive the construction of hospitals, the production of surgical equipment, and the development of pharmaceutical packaging sector. These have created a strong demand for regulatory-compliant polymer solutions. Local personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturing, which helps reduce dependency on imports, also plays a key role in boosting the market.

Medical-grade PVC currently holds the largest market share due to its cost-effectiveness, durability, and widespread use in products such as medical tubing, blood bags, and surgical gloves. In addition, the adoption of antimicrobial plastics, biodegradable polymers, and precision-engineered plastic components has fueled innovation in this sector.

Future path

The Turkish plastics industry is not only a cornerstone of the country's industrial infrastructure but also a key player in its sustainable growth agenda. Looking ahead, the industry is poised for continued growth, driven by its increasing production capacity, innovation in high-value plastics, and contributions to key sectors such as automotive and healthcare.